Wednesday 12.31.2014 The End (of the year)

After a very uncomfortable night, waking frequently, with increasing sinus pressure causing that pain in the top jaw. I finally took tylenol/motrin about 1:40am. I drifted back to sleep, and woke again about 2:30 with significantly less facial pain (but still swollen).

I got up this morning about 0800 feeling like I had turned the corner.  And have slowly improved throughout the day, thank you God.

Still snuffly with occasional drips, my face is still puffy (my eyes really feel puffy), and the harsh cough jumps out at me. My diaphragm is sore from coughing. And my voice is coming back.

Thank you for reading, today, and throughout the past year(s).

May your 2015 be filled with amazing blessings.

Hugs.

Tuesday 12.30.2014

So glad I had this morning covered at the J.O.B.

The girl called  me about 10:30 asking if I could come in at 1.  Ummm, sure, if I have to. I haven't eaten yet, nor showered....  She said she'd stay till 3.

Which was great, but I don't have much of a voice.  And my nose and eyes are dripping constantly. The Charge Nurse comes on the phone, just when I'm coughing and don't have a voice.

Ugh, she says, we don't want you here!  Stay home and get well....  I could hardly rasp out a Thank You.

After a short nap, I had a bite to eat, then got in the shower.

I felt better temporarily, thinking it might be a 24 hour bug. Better for like an hour or so.

Fixed a small hot dinner and ate; I'm really fatigued.

Then I started chilling again.  After an hour of shivering, I checked my temp. 97.7.

So I got the heating pad out.  (Wait, should I really be doing this??)

After an hour of the heating pad I stopped shivering. I've noticed I'm occasionally slightly dizzy--been drinking water throughout the day--so I checked the temp.  99.  Hm. Guess that's my "fever".

If you find me shriveled up and dehydrated, it's because my eyes and nose are constantly dripping. Feels like I'm cutting onions, or crying. And the nose--can't keep up with it.

Hoping this is the worse part, and that tomorrow I'll be better.

And that you don't get it.

Hugs

Monday 12.29.2014

Worked today.

Nicely busy most of the day, then the last third of the day kind of blew up. We made it through, and clocked out in a timely manner.

I got more sick as the day went on.

First, people said I didn't look good. At that point, I wasn't feeling too bad.

Then the pressure in the chest, with the prickly cough.

My eyes feel watery, I've pretty much lost my raspy voice, and since I've been home, I've been "chilling".  Should maybe check my temp???  Oh, yeah, I took another dose of tylenol and motrin when I got home.....

I did make a phone call and found someone to work for me tomorrow, at least most of the day.

I hope two things:  1.) That I don't have to go in in the afternoon, and 2.) That this is the 24 hour junk, not the 5 day can't-get-out-of-bed junk.

Time will tell.

Cyber Hugs.

Sunday 12.28.2014

A great day today!!!

We had a good morning. Matilda looked like she was feeling a little better, though I heard her awake a lot during the night. She did eat today--her "first breakfast" shortly after getting up, and a "second breakfast"  when we all had pancakes and scrambled eggs. Yum.

She slowed down around 11 (had been up since 5). Jeremy and Frank went to retrieve the lawn mower/tractor from the storage unit (the last item in storage, now everything except the travel trailer/camper is at the new house). Matilda and I snuggled on the sofa and watched her Elmo movies. And I had a sudden onset migraine. AACK!!  Sinus congestion then drippy nose, right eye pain, numb right side of face, and nausea.

I took the tylenol/motrin/codeine combination and hoped for the best.  About a half hour later I was better, thank you God, with only the numbness in my face and a little sore behind the right eye. And just a bit queasy.

The guys returned with the lawn mower and got it unloaded and put away, and Matilda was ready for a nap. We said our good-byes and Frank and I were on our way shortly after 2 pm.

A safe drive home, thanks again, and the closer we got to Michigan, the more blue sky there was. We got back about 6:30 in a clear starry night with a first quarter moon moving through the sky.

We unloaded the car, Frank left, and I went back out to pick up a few groceries. On the way home from Indianapolis I had started with that chest cough. I really hope I'm not getting IT.  But just in case I was, I didn't want to have to go to the store if I wasn't feeling well.

Unpacked, had a bite to eat, and ready for bed.

Work in the morning.

Unless the Crud takes over.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 12.27.2014

A pretty good day today!!

Got up and ready for the day. Packed an overnight bag, put together ingredients for cheesy potatoes, Frank came over, and we drove to Indianapolis to visit Jeremy Jenny and Matilda.

Woo Hoo!!

I love that they're closer!!

Four hours by map, 4:40 with stops.  I don't mind the stops, and it helps the travel stiffness to get out and walk around.

Jeremy and Jenny were happy to see us; Matilda is punky with a low-grade fever and a little flushed. She smiled and laughed and talked with me, but she wasn't about to let me hold her. That's ok, maybe tomorrow.

We had a great supper, visited a while, and turned in for the evening.

We'll leave sometime tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 12.26.2014

Worked today.

Was the most difficult day I've had in my 31 years of nursing. 

I've prayed and breathed and looked for the positive. 

Better tonight.

Thank you God.

Hugs.

Thursday 12.25.2014 Christmas Day

Another work day.

Turned out to be pretty good.  Enough staff, (The Best Co-Workers Ever), "just right" census, and busy enough to have something to do without being overwhelmed. And we were able to eat. Yup. Bonus.

Back at home, a few phone calls, and a quiet night.

Tomorrow I get to do it again.

Happy Birthday, Jesus.

Hugs.

Wednesday 12.24.2014 Christmas Eve

What a nice day!!

Frank came over, picked me up, and we went out for a couple of stops. Yes--the shoppers looked focused, intent, and harried. And today, ALL checkout lanes were open, except for one, and the light may have been burned out. It's been a long time since I've seen more than just a few check lanes open.

He dropped me back at my house, and I got dinner started.

When he got back, we had a lovely little Christmas dinner with our gift exchange after.

I don't remember when we've actually had Christmas on or before Christmas!

Tomorrow is a workday for me. All 12 1/2 hours of it. Ho Ho Ho.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 12.23.2014

Almost here.....

Went to see Dr. Brent, who "adjusted" my bones.  As the structures are being realigned, I'm surprised at how easily my bones are moving. And today, several of the bones in the top of my right foot moved.  Wow-that's what I was looking for, for the foot to get back into position.  

She thinks we can stretch the time between visits (next appointment is 10 days) AND that I can start doing a gentle run. Of course, if it hurts or doesn't feel right, stop.  I would have gone out this afternoon in the almost 50 degree sunshine, but the lower leg was sore and I didn't want to stress it any more today.

A quiet afternoon, trying to catch up with my budget plan. So far, so good.

Tomorrow is tentative that Frank and I are going to spend some time together.

Merry Christmas Eve.

Hugs. 

Monday 12.22.2014

I could almost see it--another minute of  light in the day.....

Worked today, tired tonight.

Was just me in my job role with 2 RNs working with me.

We rocked it out.

Tomorrow I see Dr. Brent again. I am definitely noticing a positive difference in my foot, and my ears, too. It's hard to be patient for the "time" to let the body heal.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 12.21.2014 Solstice

Finally!!  The days will be getting longer again....

I'll try a catch up post....

Friday in Flushing:  Diane had her procedure without incident. However, scheduling got behind, and we were 2 hours later than scheduled, then waited another hour (after she was recovered and ready to go) to see/talk with the doctor for findings and follow up instructions.  I work in health care, and I can say....UGH!!!

Back at the house I got food ready for all of us, and we ate. Diane ended up not feeling so well and went up to rest. I stayed with LoLo. I went to check on Di about 9:30; she was feeling a little better and got up, so I was able to leave. I finally got home about 11:30 and went to bed.

Saturday morning I went over to the chiropractor, where she did her magic. I think my right ear is better, and I also notice that my foot step is feeling more "normal" to me.

Frank had to work this weekend, and went in early so he could leave early. We met at a Park and Ride and went up to Grand Blanc for our annual Christmas Sing. Oh yeah, that's what makes it Christmas. What a great group of people, and the bonus is that they're family!!  Thanks to the Mortimers for hosting a wonderful event.

Today I had a low-key morning. Re-taped the plastic on the front windows where it had come off (from the wind we had the other day???)  Went out for a few groceries, and spent a couple hours in the kitchen doing food prep. Oven roasted some squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Ohmygoodness. It turned out really yummy. Also cooked some cranberries with fresh pineapple, orange, a pear, and fresh ginger. Added cinnamon and a titch of vanilla. Not what I thought it would be, but it's not bad.

Tomorrow is a work day.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 12.19.2014

Amazing how busy we get at the J.O.B.

Tired tonight.

Tomorrow I'm going to Flushing to accompany the cousin for a procedure.

Hope the roads are improved by morning.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 12.17.2014

Worked today.

Tired tonight.

Doing it again tomorrow.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 12.16.2014

Another great day!!

Got up and collected my belongings in preparation to leave.

After breakfast, Matilda and I snuggled on the couch and watched a couple videos while mom busied herself doing what she can't do when M is awake and needing interaction. About 11 mom came downstairs and I took the opportunity to say my good-byes.  Jen helped me load the car, and after hugs and kisses, I was on my way, about 11:30.

A stop to fuel the vehicle and I was on the road.

A drizzly, overcast drive all the way, some drizzle trying hard to be rain, some almost dry areas trying to have drizzle. But a wet windy drive overall.

I got into Jackson about 4:15 and stopped at the chiropractor's office. I had called wondering if I could come in early for my 5:30 appointment, and she said no problem.

Boy did I crack and crunch!!  I'm really happy I went:  I think I would have been really uncomfortable without having been adjusted.

Back at home, unloaded, unpacked, homemade food in the microwave. Shower and a quiet evening, ready for work tomorrow.  (can I have a "sabbatical" or maybe a "wellness leave of absence"  for maybe, um, well, I don't know how long)

Anyway, thank you for reading.

Hugs.

Monday 12.15.2014

What a day!!

Breakfast, and out to a couple of stores to pick up the current list of "necessities" that are needed when moving into a new house.

Matilda ate again, and soon it was nap time.

After she was down, both Jenny and I had a bucket of solution and went to work, her downstairs in the kitchen, pantry, and living room, and me upstairs in the bathroom, hallway, bedrooms, closets, doors, agh, so much washing of walls and doors.

It looks and smells so much better.

Jeremy got home from his first day at the new location, Jenny put the lentil and veggie casserole that I had brought into the oven, and before long I was called to supper. Just in time, too. I had finished the last of the areas and was feeling "done".

After supper Matilda wanted daddy to play, and he did for about a half hour. I took over Matilda while Jeremy brought in boxes from the garage and placed them throughout the house. Jenny opened and unpacked, and by the end of it, the garage was emptied of boxes, maybe a dozen or so had been emptied, and the kitchen was taking shape. Jeremy was beat.

'Tilda's in bed, I've showered, and the others are turning in, too.

Whew.

Tomorrow we'll tackle some more stuff before I have to leave.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 12.14.2014

Had a great day today!

After breakfast, I spent some "quality time" with Matilda before busying myself getting the remainder of her things collected, my things packed, food prep done, the car loaded, etc.

We were finally on the road about 1:30.

Whew!

Matilda is a great traveler. Sure, I stopped a few times, and we had fun "running" around when we did stop. Finally arrived at the "new house" around 6pm.

She was soooo excited to be there, and see her daddy.  He was happy, too. Mom had gone out grocery shopping, getting some staples in the house. She was excited to see mom, too. And of course the dog.

We had a busy couple of hours, running through the rooms, and playing with her toys that she hasn't seen in over 4 weeks.

She went right to bed, and the adults weren't far behind. It's a lot of work to move and settle a household.

Tomorrow Jenny would like help cleaning--and I'll do as much as I can.

I'm honored to have been asked.

Now, where's that tylenol and motrin.....

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 12.13.2014

Almost there, the end of the year!

Had a great day today!!

A little more low key than yesterday afternoon....

Matilda seemed "punky" this morning, and went back to sleep about 11:30. Surprised me, but it's all about her. An hour or so later she was awake, looking like she felt better.

We had another snack, then got the gingerbread house kit out. So funny.  She ate quite a few pieces of candy, licked the icing from her fingers, and made the best comments.

I  scooped all the icing off of my cookie with the candies, and my fingers....

She was intent on that project for a couple of hours, and after was captivated by the "Frozen" movie, laying on the couch for the majority of it.

Frank came over, and we all went to meet J&P for supper.  I think it went well overall. I enjoyed our visit.

We watched the end of the movie, and started it again, before going to bed.

Tomorrow we're going to her "new house", where I'll stay a night or two and help them "settle in".

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 12.12.2014

What a great day!!

Made a pot of soup for Jenny to take, along with the cookies I made last night. She and Matilda rolled in around 2 o'clock.

Of course Lola the dog was happy to see me. She always needs the first few minutes of attention so she'll settle down. Jenny was happy to be here, and Matilda was smiling and shy for a short while. We unpacked the car of Matilda's things, got the car seat out of J's vehicle, and I couldn't get it into mine without adjusting the straps, and I was having a hard time out in the cold garage, so I took it in the house.

Matilda was all about her car seat; she knows that where her seat is, she is. I was able to get the straps adjusted, and we all went out to put it in Grandma's car. (It was in there in May--it's officially a "Grandma Car")  Matilda had to get in the drivers' seat, said "let's go", and all was well.  What a hoot.

Jenny set up the pack and play ("that's my bed Momma") and a little while later she put Matilda down for a nap. And that was it--she went to sleep.

Jenny got on her way a short while later.

I fixed our dinner while M was sleeping.

After she got up, she looked around for Mom, then Lola, and said "momma go bye bye and I stay here" as a matter of fact. Yes, I said, ok??  Ok, she said, and smiled.  Oh, melt my heart.

We had supper, cleaned up the kitchen, and went out to the library, which closed. So we went in to Meijer to pass some time.  She didn't want to ride in a cart, so she walked. I had to tell her the rules, and she did pretty good.  Fun to watch her looking at everything--what caught her eye, what she said.  I think maybe that was more entertaining for me??

Back at home we looked at the neighbors' Christmas lights before going in and watching "Frozen" snippets on YouTube. Got ready for bed and went to sleep no problem.

Tomorrow we'll go the library again, and I've got a gingerbread house kit to put together. Anybody want to join us??

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 12.11.2014

Was a very pretty day today, a cold wind in the blue sunshine-y day.

I went out for errands, then over to the chiropractor. She seemed pleased with the results of her work.  I am, too, and hope that the improvements are long term.  She wants a couple more appointments next week. I'm anxious for time to go by to see just how much better I am.....

I finally got home after grocering. Fixed supper and ate, then made a batch of cookies for Jenny to take with her to Indianapolis.  She'll be bringing Matilda tomorrow (Friday), and I'll take Matilda to Indy when they have the truck unloaded and are ready for us. I may know more tomorrow.

Tired tonight.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 12.10.2014

Another good day!

Got a couple tasks completed.

Seeing the chiropractor again tomorrow. 

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Tuesday 12.09.2014

Gloomy, and even though the temps were mid-30's, the cold wind made for frosty breath.

I went out for a chiropractic visit, which went well. I do think it is helping--my right ear hasn't  "clicked"  when I've swallowed since today's adjustment, although the white noise is still there. Hopefully that will go away in time.

She really worked over my foot and ankle, too. Ugh. I iced it after I got home. Of course, I stopped at the store first, and refueled the vehicle, too. My ankle feels better tonight.

And I'm tired.

The busy work days have been getting to me. One day at a time, one day at a time.

Remember the reason for the season, and try not to get caught up in the consumerism.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 12.08.2014

Worked today.

Busy first 8 hours, with call lights and tasks, then discharges and just a little quieter.

I'm off work now until next week, having taken a couple days off.

Because....

Matilda is coming to Grandma's house!!

Just for a couple of days, over the weekend, as Mom and Dad move into their place in Indianapolis.  Then Matilda and I are going down there.

No firm arrival day/time or which day we might leave, (it might just end up that she's here for an overnight Saturday, and we go to Indy on Sunday).  They are still jelling their plans.

I'm so excited!

Tomorrow I'm going back to the chiropractor. I do think she helped my foot, and I would really like it to heal/stop hurting, so I can get back to running.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Sunday 12.07.2014

Worked today.

Of course we were busy.  Like "pockets" of busy.  Call lights, phones ringing, patient care. Just when you think everything and everyone is taken care of so you might be able to sit down and get the documentation into the computer, it started again. Busy with 3 things on the list ahead of the the one currently asking for something. One of those days you come away from with the feeling that you couldn't do enough, (but how, really?) and was already doing everything you could. Did my best and plowed through.

Tired tonight.

Tomorrow I can do it again!!

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Saturday 12.06.2014

Woo Hoo!!

Took a ride in the Mustang (Frank's) around the track at MIS (Michigan International Speedway)!!  Feeling the slopes of the curves is cool. Different than I had wondered it might be like, and totally different than it looks on television. Fun none-the-less!!

After, we went with the group for pizza, laughing and sharing car stories.

He brought me home, and I did the laundry, got groceries, did house chores.

I traded a day with someone at work, so I'll be going in tomorrow.  *sigh*

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Friday 12.05.2014

Worked today.

Busy.

Thanks to my two orientees, we "caught up" this afternoon.

I think they'll be great team mates.

Tired tonight.

And my ankle is a bit sore from the manipulation yesterday.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Thursday 12.04.2014

Another great day!!

Frank came over, we went out for errands. He brought me back home, then went on to work.

I went over to see a chiropractor, for 2 reasons:  1.) my ankle/foot is not feeling as good as I'd like it to, and 2.) my ears still "click" when I swallow, and the "background noise" is still there. Sounds similar to holding a seashell to your ear. Sometimes it gets so loud I don't hear anything else.

I looked on the computer for local chiropractors, and liked what her web pages showed.

Nice, younger woman, who seemed to know what she was doing.  She pushed and pulled and stretched me, my bones cracked and crackled. She manipulated my foot and I got nauseated.  Really.  (for real??)  I couldn't believe it.

Overall I think this could be helpful.  I do notice that I stand/bear weight on my right foot correctly now. She said she "re-aligned" my foot bones. Ok. As long as it helps. I'll see her again next week.
 
I'll have the opportunity to check it out tomorrow, as I'm working.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Wednesday 12.03.2014

Turned into a mostly sunny day today, mid 30's, and windy.

I had to go out for a walk.

Sure enjoyed it.

Seems like I was on the phone a lot today, taking care of business, loose ends, etc.

A quiet night.

Tomorrow I may be working in the afternoon.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 12.02.2014

Worked today.

Busy, with all the babies born yesterday afternoon needing their 24 hour testing. Took a while, but I got it done. Thanks to the best co-workers ever for being a great team.

A quiet night.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.

Monday 12.01.2014

Can you believe it...the first day of the last month of the year???!!  Wow.

Worked today.

A nice morning turned into the runaway train, with the admissions coming at us it seemed every time we turned around.  Kept up with it, though, this awesome team we have.  We were sure glad to clock out.

A quiet night.

Tomorrow I get to do it again.

Thank you for reading. Hugs.